Beijing — China stepped up its attacks on the Trump administration on Monday over billions of dollars worth of threatened tariffs, saying Washington was to blame for trade frictions and that it was impossible to negotiate under "current circumstances". The comments come after US President Donald Trump on Sunday predicted China would take down its trade barriers, and expressed optimism that both sides could resolve the issue through talks. Chinese state researchers and media talked down the likely effect of US trade measures on the world’s second-largest economy and described the Trump administration’s posturing on trade as the product of an "anxiety disorder". "Under the current circumstances, both sides even more cannot have talks on these issues," foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said. "The US with one hand wields the threat of sanctions and at the same time says they are willing to talk. I’m not sure who the US is putting on this act for," he said. The trade frictions were ...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.